The Senate has disclosed that the National Digital Economy and E-Government Bill is nearing final passage, a move expected to provide a comprehensive legal framework for electronic transactions and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a fully digital economy.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaib Salisu, announced the development on Thursday during the 20th anniversary celebration of Galaxy Backbone in Abuja.
According to him, the proposed legislation, which has reached its third reading, will grant electronic records and digital signatures the same legal recognition as traditional paper-based documents, removing long-standing legal barriers to digital governance and commerce.
Salisu said the bill is designed to align Nigeria’s legal system with the realities of a rapidly evolving digital society.
“Our society has gone digital, but our laws remain analogue. This bill is in its third reading and, by the grace of God, in the coming weeks or months, it will be ready for final assent to support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda,” he said.
The lawmaker also revealed that the Senate is working on amendments to the Cybercrime Act to strengthen protections within the country’s expanding digital ecosystem. He noted that a thriving digital economy requires robust safeguards against cyber threats and criminal activities.
Beyond legislation, Salisu called for greater collaboration among government agencies, warning against institutional fragmentation that could slow down digital progress. He advocated the creation of a unified Digital Public Infrastructure and proposed the transformation of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) offices nationwide into community-based digital service centres.
According to him, leveraging existing public infrastructure would help bridge the digital divide and extend government services to underserved communities.
He suggested that agencies such as NIGCOMSAT and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) should work in synergy, with NIGCOMSAT providing connectivity solutions for remote areas while NITDA focuses on developing digital skills and manpower.
Salisu also commended Jigawa State for pioneering initiatives that contributed to the establishment of Galaxy Backbone two decades ago under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Speaking at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stressed that technology has become central to economic competitiveness, efficient governance and public service delivery.
Akume said President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places innovation and digital transformation at the heart of national development, transparency and inclusion.
“The future of government will be digital. Technology is no longer just an enabler; it is a catalyst for national growth and improved service delivery,” he said, urging state governments and private sector stakeholders to deepen collaboration with Galaxy Backbone.
Also speaking, former SGF Boss Mustapha highlighted the critical role played by Galaxy Backbone during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the agency’s digital infrastructure enabled government operations to continue despite nationwide lockdowns.
Mustapha, who chaired the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, recalled that remote governance systems supported by Galaxy Backbone prevented a complete shutdown of federal government activities during the health emergency.
“Without Galaxy Backbone, government operations would have been severely disrupted during the lockdown. The platform ensured continuity, efficiency and effective coordination across government institutions,” he stated.
He further praised the organisation for helping government reduce costs through shared digital infrastructure and centralised technology procurement, describing its contributions as vital to Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation journey.